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3 Common Problems with Sewing Machines and How to Fix Them

Donatella, expert of Shopty, explains us how to fix the most common problems that you can find when using a sewing machine.

When you’re learning, mistakes are unavoidable, even experts make them! In the case of sewing machines, it can be really frustrating: nothing good approaches with that noise, getting out of thread if the worst moment or breaking the needle is more usual than you might think. Don’t despair! Although details can differ from one brand to another -that’s why it’s so important to read carefully the instruction manual-, the basis are always the same.

Although the manual is an useful tool to solve the 99% of problems, we’ve asked to an expert, Donatella de Shopty, about the most common problems that can arise when learning how to sew with a machine (and how to solve them!).

1) When you have a perfect straight stitch on the top but the thread is bunching under the fabric.

“This is due to the fact that there is no tension on the upper thread: it’s always necessary to follow the instructions from the images of the manual when you’re using it for the very first time. If the thread doesn’t go through the tension mechanism, the thread fits loosely and the machine roll the thread on the bottom, getting stuck the thread in the weaver’s shuttle and causing some breakings. Moreover, make sure to raise the presser lifter before threading the upper thread (if the presser lifter isn’t raised, the proper tension of the thread couldn’t be reached).”

To verify that the sewing machine has been properly threaded in the tension mechanism, follow these simple steps:

-With the presser foot lifter raised, pull back the thread from the machine. Only a light resistance and a little or none needle deflection should be noted.

-Then, drop again the presser foot lifter and pull back the thread from the machine. A high resistance and a huge needle deflection should be noted.

If there’s no resistance, then the machine isn’t right threaded and you will have to re-thread it.

2) Stitches are coming out uneven or skipping entirely

There’re several possibilities for this problem:

-The thread isn’t right threaded and you have to re-thread it.

-The needle is bent or damaged. The solution will be to revise it or, in case it doesn’t work, to replace it.

-There’s thread on the weaver’s shuttle: we should remove the threads and clean the zone where the bobbin is placed.

3) The needle keeps breaking.

There’re also several possibilities for this problem:

-pull on the fabric while sewing

-the needle isn’t right placed or it’s hitting the presser lifter. In that case, you should revise the fittings.

-the size of the needle isn’t right for the fabric or the thread that’s being used. You should consult the table in the manual that will advise you about the right needle size for each fabric.

Donatella advise us about everything, read the manual before and during using the machine, although it can be really boring.

We’ll be delighted if you make use of the comments of this post with forum. What are your most common problems with sewing machines? How do you fix them? We’ll all ears!!